Light of Wellness Leadership Award
Shari Anhold, wellness program administrator at Strattec Security Corp. in Milwaukee, is the recipient of the Wellness Council of Wisconsin Leadership Award.
The award honors wellness managers or organizational leadership for inspiring others to join in the wellness movement, serving as role models or wellness champions, and ongoing participation and commitment to the worksite wellness program.
Anhold leads the company’s all-volunteer Wellness Committee and has been instrumental in the integration of the health and wellness plan in the day to day activities at Strattec.
“Our main focus is the health and well-being of our employees,” Anhold said. “We want our employees, their spouses and even their kids to live long and healthy lives. At the same time, the program helps the company improve health care costs and has a positive impact on morale and productivity in regards to absenteeism.”
Anhold has been an administrative assistant in the operations department for 11 years. She received the title of wellness program administrator a few years ago. She is a licensed insurance intermediary and holds multiple Wellness Certifications including the Wellness Program Coordinator and Programmer through the Chapman Institute.
Anhold, who has lost more than 130 pounds, has served as an example of personal wellness and her personal wellness journey helped inspire wellness initiatives in the company
“For me it’s about letting others know that a change like that is possible,” she said. “It was important for me to make the changes and as I became more and more aware of everything I was trying to do, it became more important for me to grow the wellness program here at Strattec for the benefit of everyone.”
It’s about building a culture of wellness and a support system among friends and colleagues, Anhold said.
“It’s important to have support for the program from the top down,” she said. “It’s critical to building that culture of wellness. If employees see a manager out on the walking track during break, they are more likely to do it themselves because they know it is ok. Our management is great. They understand the benefits of that investment.”
Strattec is currently in the middle of a Go Biggest Loser nutrition program. The company also has upcoming corporate challenge events and will participate in the Making Strides for Breast Cancer Walk and the UPAF Ride for the Arts.
Honorable mentions for the award include:
Ellen Endrizzi
Human Resource Manager, Zilber Ltd, Milwaukee
Ellen was instrumental in establishing Zilber Ltd’s Workplace Wellness program. She has worked to instill best practices so employees can shift their mindset to focus on both wellness and consumerism. Her favorite saying is “Everybody, every day is part of the health solution.”
Barbara Prindiville
President, Waukesha County Technical College
Since becoming the president of WCTC in 2006, Prindiville has hired a full-time wellness coordinator and ensures resources are allocated for the wellness program. She also supported hiring a specialist in the school fitness center and has also expanded its operating hours to improve access.
“Barbara leads by example,” said Katie DeRemer, WCTC wellness coordinator. “She participates in annual health assessments and many wellness program initiatives including on-site exercise classes, wellness coaching and educational programs. When staff see that Barbara takes charge of her own health by participating in these programs they are more likely to get involved too.”
Kevin Setnes
Corporate Health and Wellness Manager, Standard Process Inc., Palmyra
Setnes played an important role in revamping the company’s wellness program to one built on four foundations, chiropractic, nutrition, fitness and education. Though he started in 2003 as a consultant, Kevin was hired full time in 2008 and his enthusiasm and daily presence has led to a more than 90 percent participation rate from employees in the program’s annual voluntary health risk assessment.
“True leaders eat, sleep and breathe their mission,” said Annie Gentil, communications coordinator for Standard Process. “Kevin Setnes is a true leader. Since Kevin started at Standard Process, usage of our fitness center and involvement in our wellness program has continued to grow. As our leader, Kevin has made a profound impact on the employees here. We see him at work before the first shift, or in late afternoons after his appointments are done, making time to get his own run in, putting all the advice he gives us to train hard and eat well to work as a role model.”
Healthy Behavior Award
Robin Nicholson, senior logistics analyst at Appleton Papers Inc., is the recipient of the Wellness Council of Wisconsin Healthy Behavior Award.
The award honors individuals who participate in worksite wellness program and exemplify healthy behaviors or lifestyle changes that have resulted in significant improvements.
Nicholson has taken charge of her own well-being and has lost more than 100 pounds and maintained that weight loss for more than two years.
Nicholson started by participating in the company’s Health Risk Assessment program and worked with a health coach to create diet and exercise plans. She was also able to utilize Appleton Paper’s fitness center for regular workouts and utilized Weight Watchers to learn healthy portion control.
Nicholson openly discusses her changes with co-workers and the company even published a story about her weight loss journey in order to help inspire others.
Because of her wellness focus, Nicholson is off her blood pressure medication. She no longer has joint pain, she sleeps better, has higher energy and higher self-esteem levels.
“She has impacted countless employees by sharing her story and inspiring others to take steps toward change,” said Stephanie Anderson, health and wellness coordinator at Appleton Paper.
Healthy Behavior Honorable Mentions:
Craig Geiger
Senior mechanical designer, Anguil Environmental, Milwaukee
Craig Geiger has lost 100 pounds and maintained that weight loss for more than a year and a half. He has changed his lifestyle and has made a positive impact on his family and friends including his son, Craig.
“My son has ADHD,” Geiger said. “I watched as he struggled with school, friends and (boy) scouts. I stepped back and looked at where my life was going. I needed to help him, but first I had to make a change for myself. I needed to set an example. New Year’s 2010 came and I was ready for that change. With the help and encouragement of my wife and a good friend at work I began my transformation.”
Carol Bombinski
Senior administrative assistant, Froedtert Health
Carol Bombinski and her husband have become tobacco free and she has lost 55 pounds over the past year due to changes she has made in her diet and exercise regimen.
“Carol is an inspiration,” said Kathryn Menard-Rothe, Froedtert wellness manager. “She has become a new person over the past three to four years due to the positive changes she has made in her life. She is a perfect example of how the components of a worksite wellness program can assist staff with their goals.”
Jessica Payson
Administrative secretary, Marquette University
Jessica Payson has influenced many to join her in participating in office challenges and health lifestyle choices throughout the work day. She has adopted healthy eating habits and is committed to maintaining and active lifestyle.
Since participating in the wellness program at Marquette University she has completed three half-marathons and is currently training for a triathalon.
Rising Light Award
Ann Mitchell, team leader at Johnsonville Sausage LLC in Sheboygan Falls is the recipient of the Wellness Council of Wisconsin Rising Light Award.
Participants in worksite wellness program are honored for taking initial steps in making lifestyle changes. The award honors the employee for the steps they have taken in their wellness journey.
Mitchell started working at Johnsonville when she was 17 years old. When she was younger, her health was always something that she took for granted.
“You always think you’re invincible,” she said.
Seven years ago, Johnsonville initiated its wellness program. Mitchell participated from the beginning, getting on-site health risk assessments and regular medical checkups.
“My doctors had told me for a few years that I was borderline diabetic,” she said. “Early on I would do a couple of things to help the situation, but I always thought to myself, ‘I’m just border line, I haven’t been diagnosed yet.’
During the Summer of 2011, Mitchell, age 42, was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes. She decided then that she needed to make a serious lifestyle change.
“At that point, it wasn’t border line. I had full blown, Type II Diabetes. I knew I had a couple of choices,” she said. “I had about two weeks to adjust to this new reality and I knew I definitely wanted the opportunity to change my lifestyle so I wouldn’t need medication. So that’s what I did.”
Since her diagnosis eight months ago, Mitchell has been able to control her Type II Diabetes without medication. She’s changed her exercise regimen, her eating habits and has started taking better care of her body.
“I’ve changed my life completely,” she said. “It’s not a fad, or a diet. It can’t be. It’s a lifestyle.”
Since her diagnosis last July Mitchell says she has lost more than 50 pounds, which for her is nice, but she says it’s secondary to her overall health and well-being.
“For me, my health comes first,” Mitchell said. “The weight loss is great, but my health comes first. I am so grateful for Johnsonville for giving me the opportunity to take individual ownership of my health. The support network here has been so helpful to me.”
Rising Light Honorable Mentions:
Crystal Fahrenkampf
Registration Specialist, Sauk Prairie Memorial Hospital & Clinics
Crystal has lost 78 pounds since 2011 and has inspired her kids and family to make better choices to live well.
“I’m at a point in my life where I’m the happiest I’ve ever been,” she said. “I have more energy and have a better self- image. Losing weight is great, but knowing that my kids are going to live healthier lives through this change means the world to me.”
Steve Beyersdorf
Machine Shop Lead, Power Test Inc., in Sussex
Beyersdorf stopped smoking after doing so for more than half his life. He now works out and is getting stronger and healthier every day.
He had been using tobacco products since he was 13 years old. Smoking was a key part of his life. Now, working out is a part of his daily routine. Beyersdorf said he would like to achieve a 30 percent improvement in his fitness level by April.
We would like to acknowledge all the nominees for the Light of Wellness Awards:
Healthy Behavior
Maureen Arndt, Director of Operations – The Starr Group
Dan Baerenwald, APH 9 Calendar Operator – Appleton Papers
Bill Berdan, Quality Systems Technician – STRATTEC Security Corporation
Ronald Fromm, Project Specialist – Franklin Energy Services, LLC
Robert Gusky, Engineering Technical Leader – Kimberly-Clark Corporation
Judy Krueger, CAM Programmer – Maysteel-Everett Smith Group
Nancy Kubacki, Benefits Administration Manager – Northwestern Mutual
Andrew LaFontain, Vice President – Rozman Wealth Management
Gerard Nenno, Fabrication Technician – Maysteel-Everett Smith Group
Michelle Werner, Senior Placement Consultant – Hatch Staffing Services
Shirley Zelinski, Applications Specialist – Zilber LTD
Tony Zulli, Architect – MSI General Corporation
Leadership
Susan Boettcher, Human Resources Manager – Miles Kimball Company
Jeff Curtin, Vice President & Chief Council NACP – Kimberly-Clark Corporation
Robbi Eccher, Vice President of Human Resources – Sauk Prairie Memorial Hospital & Clinics
Jeffrey Eineichner, Vice President – Power Test Inc.
Tammy Flora, Vice President of Human Resources – Masters Gallery Foods, Inc.
Terry Frett, President – Frett Barrington Ltd
Benjamin Harrison, President & CEO – Kaysun Corporation
Menomonee Valley Health & Wellness Committee – Menomonee Valley Partners, Inc.
Julie Herschleb, Director of Total Rewards – Johnsonville Sausage, LLC
Brenda Johnson, Executive Director – YMCA of the Fox Cities
Michael Kellman, Senior Vice President – North Shore Bank
Kim Megal, Director, Human Resources – Tekra Corporation
Jennifer Michalski, People Operations Manager – Chr. Hansen, Inc.
Dr. John Pauly, Provost – Marquette University
Kurt Rozman, President – Rozman Wealth Management
Amie Strange, Human Resources Manager/Wellness Champion – Galloway Company
Nora Vrakas, Risk Manager – Construction Resources Management
Rising Light
Eric Becher, Area Sales Manager – Hatch Staffing Services
Priscilla Hartling, Commercial Loan Specialist – North Shore Bank
Scott Kraus, Business Architect – Northwestern Mutual
Bethany Wadood, Risk Management Assistant – Zilber LTD
